"LEAVES  ' 
THE  LOTOi 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


Reaves  of  the  Xotos 


ILeaves  of  the  Xotos 


BY 


DAVID  BANKS  SICKELS 


NEW  YORK 

J.  SELWIN  TAIT  &  SONS 
65  Fifth  Avenue 


Copyright,  1895 
BY  DAVID  BANKS  SICKELS 

All  Rights  Reserved 


Contents, 

PAGE 

WHERE  THE   LOTOS  GROWS       .          .          .7 

THE  JOY   OF   INDIA          .          .          .          ,  Q 

BEAUTIFUL   SIAM                     ,          .          .          .  13 
ANGHIN    .           .           .          ,          ,          .          .          -IS 

CHULALONGKORN         .          .-         .          ..        .  17 

EVERY   DAY      .          .          .          .          .          .          .  IQ 

WHO   KNOWS  ? 22 

LORLE 25 

OLD   FRIENDS 29 

WINNISOOK 31 

AFTER  AWHILE 33 

IN    MEMORIAM  .          .      '    .          .          ,          -35 

BABY   RUTH 37 

SPRING 39 

THE   PEACE   OF   WINNISOOK        ...  41 

THEY   ARE   NOT   LOST 46 

RUNNYMEDE 48 

THE   AGE 50 

LINES   WRITTEN   IN   AN   ALBUM           .           .  57 

IN    MEMORIAM — H.   M.   L 58 

MY   ANGEL   GUIDE        .          .          <          .          .  60 

SHE   WORE   THE   FLOWER   I   GAVE   HER       .  62 

THE   WINTRY    DAYS   ARE   COMING      .          .  64 

THE   HIDDEN   HEART 66 

AT  WINNISOOK 68 

TO   MY   WIFE 70 

THE   RETURN         ......  72 

LINES   ACCOMPANYING  A   BIRTHDAY  PRES 
ENT   .          .          .  .          .          .          -74 

THE  UNDYING    .       .       .       .       .       .  76 

WOMAN'S  LOVE 78 

THE  PHANTOM 79 

THE   BLAZER                                                                     .  8l 


TO 

COLONEL  THOMAS  W.  KNOX, 

whose  genial  nature  and  kindly  acts  have  made 
his  long-enduring  friendship  a  priceless  pleasure  (as 
the  dew  and  sunlight  of  the  Orient  enhance  and 
enrich  the  beauty  and  fragrance  of  the  Lotos),  this 
little  volume  is  dedicated  by 

THE  AUTHOR. 


TKKbere  tbe  Xotos  <3rows. 

KIES  are  bluest, 
Hearts  are  truest, 

Life  has  fewest  woes; 
Hopes  are  brightest, 
Toil  is  lightest, 

Where  the  lotos  grows. 

Flowers  are  rarest, 
Maids  are  fairest, 

Friends  outnumber  foes; 
Years  are  fleetest, 
Love  is  sweetest, 

Where  the  lotos  grows. 

Thoughts  are  purest, 
Faith  is  surest, 
Doubting  never  knows; 
7 


lUbcre  tbe  Xotus  Grows. 


Dreams  are  newest, 
Cares  are  fewest, 
Where  the  lotos  grows. 

Life  is  longest, 
Ties  are  strongest, 

Passion  finds  repose; 
Friends  are  dearest, 
God  is  nearest, 

Where  the  lotos  grows. 


TOe  505  of 


N   mystic  script    the  Devas 

told 
What  time  the  life-creating 

light— 

The  primal  germ  of  immortality — 
Would  burst  upon  a  darkened  world; 
How  from  the  slumbering  void  con 
cealed 

Beyond  great  Meru's  mighty  mount, 
The  Prince  of  Peace  would  come  again. 
To  sow  anew  the  seeds  of  hope 
In  hearts  o'ergrown  with  weeds  of  woe. 

As  storm-controlling  India  came 
To  rule  awhile  the  wayward  winds, 
And  drive  Asura  from  his  throne, 
That  peace  might  reign  again  on  earth: 

9 


Jog  of  flnofa. 


Siddartha,  unrevealed  to  men, 
Descended  from  Tushita's  heights 
To  quench  the  fires  of  misery, 
And  gladden  all  the  peopled  world. 

In  fair  Lumbrini's  fragrant  grove, 
Where  Gunga's  gracious  waters  flowed 
And  mirrored  nature's  pageantry, 
The  infant  Lord  immaculate  was  born, 
And  every  creature  blest  his  birth. 
The  Minah   on    the    tufted    tamarind 

perched, 

Proclaimed  his  joy  with  mimic  speech, 
As  willing  winds  a  welcome  sang; 
While  Kalibinkas  caught  the  strain 
And  made  their  music  everywhere. 

The  lotos  leaning  on  its  wiry  stem, 
Or  pillowed  on  the  placid  stream, 
10 


Cbe  SOB  of  Unofa. 


Awoke  and  ope'd  its  drowsy  leaves. 
Mandaras,  with  their  odors  sweet 
Winged  by  soft  monsoons,  a  greeting 

gave. 

The  Poh  tree  with  its  burdened  limbs 
Low-bending,  grateful  homage  paid 
To  him  who  once  its  ample  boughs 
Had  sheltered  from  the  fiery  blast 
Of  typhoons  born  in  tropic  seas. 

The  clouds  that  drifted  down  the  sky 
Arrayed  themselves  in  ruby  robes. 
The  moon  outstretched  its  pearly  arms 
To  soothe  awhile  the  restless  sea; 
The  stars  burned  brighter  on  Night's 

brow 

Than  ever  since  Creation's  dawn, 
And  Nature's  treasuries  unlocked 
An  undiscovered  wealth  outpoured. 
The  sun,  reburnished  for  the  day, 
ir 


tfbe  $OB  of 


Gilded  anew  the  Prachadees, 

And  marked  his  forehead  with  the  sign 

Of  kinship  with  Divinity. 

Then  as  his  pilgrim  footsteps  pressed 
The  alien  soil  of  hostile  climes, 
With  fear  the  trembling  Brahman  saw 
The  dreaded  doom  of  creed  and  caste — 
The  dawn  of  God's  immortal  love: 
While  waiting  nations  knew  their  Lord, 
And  Rajahs  famed  for  pomp  and  power 
Cast  all  their  sceptres  at  his  feet. 


Beautiful  Sfam, 

[EAUTIFUL  Siam  !    Land  of 

the  free ! 

He  who  is  greatest  is  smil 
ing  on  thee — 
Smiling  to-day   on   the   king    on    his 

throne, 

Smiling  and  claiming  the  land  as  His 
own. 

Land  of  the  lotos,  and  lily,  and  vine  ! 
All  that  is  fairest  in  Nature  is  thine: 
Riches  unmeasured  repose  in  thy  soil, 
Waiting  the  touch  of  the  finger  of  toil. 

Beautiful  Siam!     Slumber  no  more! 
Hear  the  deep  beat  of  the  sea  on  thy 

shore! 
Hear  the  loud  winds  that  are  calling  to 

thee; 

13 


Beautiful  Siam. 


Wake  from  thy  slumber  at  last  and  be 
free. 

Peace  through  thy  borders  eternally 
reigns — 

Down  in  thy  valleys  and  up  on  thy 
plains; 

In  the  broad  fields  where  the  paddy- 
plant  grows — 

In  thy  rich  gardens  of  lily  and  rose. 

Beautiful  Siam  !     Land  of  the  free  ! 
He  who  is  greatest  is  smiling  on  thee  — 
Smiling    to-day   on     the   king   on   his 

throne, 
Smiling  and  claiming  the  land  as  His 

own. 


Hnabfn* 

|HE  sea  is  calm  and  on  this 

happy  shore 
Sleeps  pillowed  as  a  babe 

on  mother's  breast 
In  its  unconscious  purity. 
The  winds  that  o'er  it  swept, 
And  wrinkled  its  fair  face — 
Prophetic  of  the  stormy  years  of  life 
That  plow  deep  furrows  in  the  heart — • 
Have  fled  into  their  darksome  caves, 
As  in  the  direful  days  of  old, 
When    white-armed     Juno's     vengeful 

wrath 
Wreaked  its  wild  fury  on  the  Trojan 

ships. 

Here  'neath  the  shade  of  tropic  trees 
That  bend  their  budding  branches  low, 


Siujbfn. 

Submissive   to  the    sway  that    Nature 

holds, 

And  wooed  by  many  a  kissing  breeze, 
We  sit  and  watch  the  tiny  craft 
Incoming  with  the  flowing  tide: 
As  one  who  on  the  border-land 
Of  youth's  enchanted  realm  surveys 
Futurity's  unmeasured  depths; 
Or  looking  out  on  Life's  uncertain  sea, 
Expectant  of  the  coming  argosy, 
Rich-laden  with  its  golden  joys, 
Dreams  of  a  promised  bliss. 
Alas!  the  tide  soon  ebbs  and  darkness 

comes 

Apace  with  quick-receding  sun; 
The  Ruahs,  dancing  on  the  waves 
With  bending  oars  and  gleaming  sails, 
Drift  seaward  from  our  sight. 
So  from  Life's  fairest  visions  fade 
Our  glory-gilded  hopes. 
16 


Gbulalongfcorn. 

OY  to   the  king,  Chulalong- 

korn  ! 
Greet  him    from    palace  to 

port  ! 

Welcome  with  loud-praising  cannon 
Booming  from  vessel  and  fort. 

Welcome  the  king  at  his  coming; 
Fling  every  flag  to  the  wind  ! 

Happy  the  ruled  and  the  ruler- 
Kingly,  but  noble  and  kind. 

Birds  in  the  bamboo  branches 
Join  in  the  welcoming  strains; 

Welcome  with  warble  and  whistle 
Over  the  mountains  and  plains  ! 
17 


Cbulalongfeorn. 


Winds  with  your  myriad  voices, 
Welcome  with  zephyr  and  breeze; 

Welcome  with  roar  of  the  tempest, 
Over  the  land  and  the  seas. 

Stars  in  the  luminous  heavens, 
Circling  the  dark  brow  of  night, 

Shine  on  the  Menam's  waters, 
Beaming  with  purest  light. 

Flowers  in  the  gardens  and  meadows, 
Brightest  of  colors  display; 

Render  your  tribute  of  odors 
Unto  the  young  king  to-day. 

Joy  to  the  king,  Chulalongkorn  ! 

Greet  him  from  palace  to  port ! 
Welcome  with  loud-praising  cannon 

Booming  from  vessel  and  fort. 

18 


MID  the  tumult  of  the  street 
And  ceaseless  tread  of  rest 
less  feet, 
What  varied  human   forms 

we  meet, 
Every  day. 

Some  burdened  with  unwhispered  woe  ; 
Sad  secrets  God  alone  can  know  ; 
We  see  them  wandering  to  and  fro, 
Every  day. 

Some  seared  by  time's  decay  or  blight ; 
With  furrowed  brow  and  fading  sight, 
Who  haunt  our  feet  from  morn  till  night, 
Every  day. 

Some  swayed    by    passion    deep    and 
strong, 

19 


Dag. 


Enkindled  by  some  burning  wrong, 
Unheeded  by  the  listless  throng, 
Every  day. 

The  lust  of  power,  the  greed  for  gain,  — 
Twin  tyrants  of  the  heart  and  brain  — 
We  see  the  ruin  of  their  reign, 
Every  day. 

The  crafty  knaves  that  throng  the  street, 
Wearing  the  garments  of  deceit  ; 
Who  breathe  to  lie  and  live  to  cheat, 
Every  day. 

And  some  aspiring  to  be  great, 
With  beaming  eye  and  heart  elate, 
Scorning  the  thorny  thrusts  of  fate, 
Every  day. 

The   youth    enthralled   by   some   fond 
dream, 

20 


Or  borne  along  on  fancy's  stream, 
Believing  all  things  what  they  seem, 
Every  day. 

The  aged  tottering  toward  the  tomb, 
No  light  to  lift  their  rayless  gloom, 
Nor  hope  their  weary  way  illume, 
Every  day. 

The  rich  and  poor,  the  old  and  young, 
With  silent  lip  or  fluent  tongue, 
And  griefs  untold  or  joys  unsung, 
Every  day. 

Thus  in  the  drama  of  the  town, 
Some  bear  a  cross  or  wear  a  crown 
Until  death  rings  the  curtain  down, 
Every  day. 


21 


fmows? 

|HO  knows  we  have  not  lived 

before 
In   forms   that   felt  delight 

and  pain  ? 
If  death  is  not  the  open  door 
Through  which  we  pass  to  life  again  ? 

The  fruitful  seed  beneath  the  sod 
In  infant  bud  and  bloom  may  rise  ; 

But  by  the  eternal  laws  of  God 
It  is  not  quickened  'till  it  dies. 

The  leaves  that  tremble  on  the  tree, 
Fall  'neath  the  stroke   of  Autumn's 
storms  ; 

But  by  some  mighty  mystery, 

With  spring  return  in  other  forms. 

As  currents  of  the  surging  sea 
From  undiscovered  sources  flow, 

22 


TKflbo 


So  what  we  were  and  yet  may  be, 
In  this  brief  life  we  may  not  know. 

But  oft  some  unexpected  gleams 
Of  past  and  unremembered  years, 

Break    through   the    doorway   of    our 

dreams 
And  some  familiar  face  appears: — 

A  kindred  spirit  lost  awhile 

Amid  the  change  from  death  to  birth, 
Whose  beaming  eye  and  loving  smile 

Recall  some  former  scenes  of  earth. 

And  thus  unconscious  of  the  tie — 
The  mystic  link  that  love  creates — 

Perhaps  we  see  our  own  who  die, 
In  newer  forms  and  other  states. 

Perhaps  with  every  cycle  passed 
Throughout  the  ages  yet  to  be, 
23 


limbo  fmowst 


Our    own  will  come  to  us  at  last, 
As  parted  waters  find  the  sea — 

Not  wholly  clad  as  they  were  seen 
When  death  unbound  their  robes  of 
clay, 

But  with  seraphic  face  and  mien, 
And  souls  that  may  not  pass  away. 


24 


%orle. 

|HE   bells    in    San    Marino's 

tower 
Had     sweetly    chimed     the 

vesper  hour— 
As  Benedictine  monks  and  friars, 
With  children  led  by  pensive  sires, 
And  white-robed  throngs  of  devotees, 
With  bowed  heads  and  bended  knees — 
In  blest  accord  intoned  a  prayer 
That  rose  like  incense  through  the  air. 

Within  the  grand  cathedral's  hall 
A  solemn  gloom  hung  over  all ; 
As  if  some  spectre,  strange  and  dread, 
Had  risen  from  the  dusty  dead, 
And  by  the  mystic  mien  it  bore 
Inspired  a  deep,  religious  awe. 
25 


Xorle. 

Upon  the  altar  there  upraised 
The  sacred  tapers  burned  and  blazed ; 
And  high  above  the  crown  and  pyx, 
Resplendent  gleamed  the  crucifix ; 
While   through   the   chancel-pane    the 

light 

Of  myriad  stars  shone  clear  and  bright, 
As  twilight's  purple  shadows  fell 
On  Alpine  peak,  in  vale  and  dell. 

Long  ere  the  prelate's  moaning  prayer 
Was  wafted  through  the  frosty  air, 
Sweet  Lorle  came  as  oft  before. 
And  knelt  beyond  the  opened  door ; 
But  never  since  the  vesper  bells 
Rung  out  their  strains  in  music  swells, 
Was  such  a  saintly  smile  and  grace 
E'er  seen  in  such  a  saddened  face  ; 
Yet  those  who  know  the  unwhispered 
grief 

26 


TLorle. 

Of  years  that  seem  not  few  nor  brief, 
Were  fitted  best  to  reason  why 
Her  faded  cheek  and  cheerless  eye. 

The  wounds  that  love  makes  in  the  heart 
When  pierced  by  its  relentless  dart  ; 
The  hopes  long  nurtured  in  her  breast 
With  thoughts  the  purest  and  the  best ; 
The  web  of  bliss  that  fancy  wove 
On  Alpine  hill,  in  shaded  grove, 
Or  while  beside  the  flowing  Aar, 
With  all  the  charms  of  Nature  there — 
The  memory  of  blissful  hours, 
Of  singing  birds  and  fragrant  flowers, 
Of  softest  sighs  and  truant  tears, 
And  whispers  in  her  eager  ears, 
The  yearning  eye,  the  warm  embrace, 
The  love-light  shining  on  his  face, 
And  all  the  sweet  romantic  themes 
Inspired  by  love's  seraphic  dreams. 
27 


Xorte. 

Ah,  yes  !  'tis  well  to  brave  the  blast, 
When  hope  is  flying  at  the  mast, — 
To  meet  the  foe  on  bloody  field 
Undaunted,  with  the  lance  and  shield,  - 
To  wait  with  slow-departing  breath 
Unchanged  the  dreaded  hour  of  death  ; 
But  what  is  youth  when  hope  hath  fled  ? 
Or  what  is  life  when  love  is  dead — 
When  every  glance  of  tender  eye 
Recalls  a  blighted  destiny? 


28 


ffrfenfcs. 

IHERE  are  no  friends  like  old 

friends, 
And     none    so   good    and 

true; 
We  greet  them  when  we  meet  them, 

As  roses  greet  the  dew; 
No  other  friends  are  dearer, 

Though  born  of  kindred  mold; 
And  while  we  prize  the  new  ones, 
We  treasure  more  the  old. 

There  are  no  friends  like  old  friends, 

Where'er  we  dwell  or  roam, 
In  lands  beyond  the  ocean, 

Or  near  the  bounds  of  home  ; 
And  when  they  smile  to  gladden, 

Or  sometimes  frown  to  guide, 
We  fondly  wish  those  old  friends 

Were  always  by  our  side. 
29 


©U>  tfrfenDs. 


There  are  no  friends  like  old  friends, 

To  help  us  with  the  load 
That  all  must  bear  who  journey 

O'er  life's  uneven  road  ; 
And  when  unconquered  sorrows 

The  weary  hours  invest, 
The  kindly  words  of  old  friends 

Are  always  found  the  best. 

There  are  no  friends  like  old  friends, 

To  calm  our  frequent  fears, 
When  shadows  fall  and  deepen 

Through  life's  declining  years  ; 
And  when  our  faltering  footsteps 

Approach  the  Great  Divide, 
We'll  long  to  meet  the  old  friends 

Who  wait  the  other  side. 


Wfnnisoofc, 

IRANDLY  these    rock-bound 

mountains  rise 
Above    the    vale   and  ar 
rowy  brook  ; 
And  canopied  by  radiant  skies 

Look  down  on  peerless  Winnisook. 

Old  Panther  with  his  fir-crowned  brow — 
The  frowning  walls  of  Overlook — 

With  grandeur  Nature's  scenes  endow, 
But  charm  us  less  than  Winnisook. 

The  wild  cascade,  the  moss-grown  ways, 
With    arching   vines   that   hang  be 
tween, 

Appear  to  our  enchanted  gaze 
Like  pictures  in  a  fairy  scene. 


TJGiinnteoofe. 


Here  cedar-leaf  and  hazel-bloom 
Imbue  with  balm  the  willing  air  ; 

And  regnant  peace  forbids  the  gloom 
That  haunts  our  visions  everywhere. 

And  here  is  greeting  warm  and  true, 
With  cheery  word  and  merry  shout; 

A  sense  of  welcome  comes  to  you 
From  hand  and  heart  you  dare  not 
doubt. 

Bright  home,  by  bending  boughs  em 
bowered, 

Half  hidden  in  this  highland  nook, 
With    Nature's   richest  treasures  dow 
ered; 
Who  would  not  dwell  at  Winnisook? 


Bfter  BwbUe* 

FTER  awhile,  we   often  say, 
When    shadows    fall    and 

clouds  arise, 
There's      sure     to    come     a 

brighter  day, 
With  balmy  air  and    sunny  skies. 

After  awhile,   a  day  of  rest 

Will  come  to  worn  and  weary  feet ; 
What  seems  the  worst  will  prove  the 
best, 

And  bitter  things  be  turned  to  sweet. 

After  awhile,  the  aching  heart 
Will  find  a  cordial  for  its  pain, 

And,  as  the  flying  days  depart, 
The  joy  of  love  will  come  again. 
33 


after  Swbile. 


After  awhile,  the  Right  will  reign, 
And  conquered  Wrong  will  lose  its 
sway, 

While  ancient  Error's  icy  chain 
Will  break  and  slowly  melt  away. 

After  awhile,  the  clashing  creeds 
That  lead  to  strife  and  hate  with  men, 

Will  yield  to  our  superior  needs, 
And  love  will  prompt  the  lip  and  pen. 

After  awhile,  the  golden  hours 
Will  come  with  life's  supernal  days, 

And  higher  thoughts  and  nobler  powers 
Will  lead  us  into  grander  ways. 


34 


Un  fl&emortam, 

|EW  tread  unscathed  the  fiery 

ways  of  life, 
And  fewer  win  the  laureled 

crown 

That  decks  the  victor's  brow. 
The  blight,  the  mildew,  and  the  blast 
Untimely  came  ;   then  ruthless  winds 
Destroyed  the  budding  leaves  of  hope. 
Like  some  stanch  bark  that  braved  the 

storm 

And  ocean's  rudest  waves  unharmed, 
Then  changed  its  course  to  calmer  seas 
And  sank  beneath  their  silent  depths  ; 
So,  'mid  the  toil  and  battle  of  the  day, 
Unwearied  and  undaunted  by  the  fray, 
He  struggled  on,  and  who  divined 
His  peerless  worth  of  heart  and  mind, 
35 


1  n  Aemoriam. 


Knew  of  his  lofty  scorn  of  wrong — 
His  deep  contempt  for  foul  deceit 
And  vain  pretence  of  excellence 
Whereby  the  unworthy  crawl  to  power, 
While  gifted  greatness  stands  abashed — 
For  what  he  seemed  to  be,  he  was. 


1Rutb. 

OY   crowned    the  happy  day 
When  Baby  Ruth  was  born; 
The  lark  arose  with  sweeter 

lay 
To  greet  the  welcome  morn. 

The  sun  with  purer  light 
Burst  on  a  gladdened  world  ; 

And    daylight  dawned  as  dark-brow'd 

night 
Her  sable  curtains  furled. 

The  birds  in  budding   bowers 
Their  newest  anthems  sang, 

And  all   throughout  the  joyous  hours 
The  woods  with  music  rang. 

The  lily  and  the  rose, 
With  every  flower  that  blooms, 
37 


IRutb. 


Awakening  from  their  soft  repose 
Dispensed  their  sweet  perfumes. 

As  comes  the  hour  of  love 
With  dreams  of  boundless  bliss, 

She  wandered  from  the  world  above 
And  came  to  gladden   this. 


Spring. 


HE  maiden  Spring  has  come 

again 

To  deck  the  vernal  bowers; 
Her  airy   footsteps   through 

the  vale 
Awake  the  drowsy  flowers. 

Along  the  banks  of  babbling  streams, 
And  o'er  the  upland  plain, 

Where'er  her  joyous  presence  moves 
She  leads  her  gladdening  train. 

The  lisping  zephyr's  morning  hymn 

The  bees'  incessant  hum, 
Are  Nature's  chosen  oracles 

That  tell  us  she  has  come. 

The  myriad  minstrels  in  the  grove 
Their  greeting  strains  prolong  ; 

39 


Spring. 

And  all  the  earth  seems  resonant 
With  universal  song. 

The  heart  of  Nature  beats  again, 

Impetuous  with  life, 
While  from  her  peaceful  breast  are  gone 

The  elements  of  strife. 

And  in  my  heart  I  feel  once  more 

The  thrill  of  early  dreams, 
When  joyous  Youth,  the  Spring  of  Life, 

Pursued  its  favorite  themes. 


40 


peace  of  TKHinntsoofe. 

|N    the    verdant    valleys   rich 

with  ripening  maize, 
Red   men   built  their  camp- 
fires  in  the  olden  days  ; 
But    the    white    invader's    unrelenting 

horde 
Drove  them  from  their  wigwams  with 

the  torch  and  sword, 
Backward  to  the  forests  over  field  and 

fen, 

Far   beyond    the    footprints    and     the 
haunts  of  men. 

Thus   the    peaceful   tribesmen,  hunted 

like  the  deer, 
Wandering  through  the  highlands  found 

a  refuge  here ; 
Found  their  homes  ancestral   in  their 

native  hills, 

41 


Gbe  peace  of  TWUnntsooft. 


Heard  familiar  voices   in   the  running 

rills, 
Learned  from  Nature's  lessons  writ  on 

vine  and  tree 
That    the   Mighty  Spirit  made  them 

brave  and  free. 

Then  the  lordly  chieftain,   Winnisook 

the  Great, 

Gathered  all  his  people  to  this  vast  es 
tate, 
And  with  words  of  wisdom,  said  with 

heat  and  force, 
Like    the  waters    rushing   from   their 

mountain  source  : 
"  Come  and  live  contented  in  this  safe 

retreat, 
And,  your  woes   forgetting,  rest  your 

weary  feet  ; 
Breathe  the  balmy  incense  of    the  fir 

and  pine, 

42 


ttbe  peace  of  TKIlinnteoofe. 


Drink  from  ceaseless  fountains  Nature's 

purest  wine  ; 
Hear  the  happy  songsters  in  the  boughs 

above 
Chant  their  morning  anthems  and  their 

lays  of  love." 

Then  Kasyoota,  rising  from  her  mossy 

seat, 
When  she  heard  these  love-words  falling 

soft  and  sweet, 
Rushed  to  kiss  her  father  on  his  bronzed 

cheek, 

With  her  arms  around  him  ere  he  ceased 
to  speak. 

"  Father,  they  have  called  you  good  and 
great,"  she  said, 

"  And  thy  people  followed  where  your 
footsteps  led 

Over  marsh  and  moorland,  over  track 
less  woods, 

43 


jpcace  of  WUnnieoofc. 


Through  the  somber  forest's  dreary 
solitudes. 

Where  the  shadows  deepen  as  the  twi 
light's  glow, 

Creeping  down  the  mountain,  slowly 
dies  below. 

Through  the  storm  of  winter,  and  the 
summer's  heat 

Everywhere  they've  followed  with  un 
faltering  feet ; 

Swift  with  loyal  fingers  there  to  bend 
the  bow, 

When  thy  voice  commanded  all  to  meet 
the  foe. 

Now  thy  peace-words  falling  like  the 
gentle  rain, 

Make  our  hearts  submissive  to  thy  will 
again. 

And,  forever  ceasing  from  unfruitful 
strife, 

Call  us  to  the  pastimes  of  a  nobler  life — 

44 


peace  of  TKfltnntsoofc. 


When  the  sacred  peace-pipe  yields  the 

pearly  smoke, 

And  the  idle  arrow  lingers  in  the  oak, 
When  the  blood-stained  hatchet,  laid 

aside  to  rust, 
With  the  awful  war-club  buried  in  the 

dust  ; 
When  the  piercing  war-cry  nevermore 

alarms, 
And  the  tolling  tocsin  calls  no  more  to 

arms. 
When  the  yell  for  vengeance  evermore 

shall  cease, 
And  our  warriors  conquer  by  the  arts  of 

peace." 


45 


are  not  Xost. 

1HEY  are   not    lost,   though 

shoreless  seas 
Between  us  and  our  loved 

ones  lie; 
For,  in  the  land  of  mysteries, 
All  life  is  immortality. 

They  are  not  lost;  the  starry  spheres 
May  vanish  from  the  vault  of  night; 

But  after  an  eclipse  of  years 

Reveal  their  unextinguished  light. 

They  are  not  lost;  the  drops  of  rain 
That  fall  and  swell  the  mountain 

streams 

Are  gathered  by  the  sun  again, 
And  sparkle  in  its  golden  beams. 
46 


are  not  Xost. 


They  are  not  lost;  the  flowers  decay, 
And  lose  their  beauty  and  perfume, 

But  come  with  each  returning  May 
With  brighter  tints  and  ampler  bloom. 

They  are  not  lost;  though  yearning 

eyes 

Invite  in  vain  their  swift  return 
From  other  worlds  beyond  the  skies, 
With  luring  thoughts  and  hearts  that 
burn. 

They  are  not  lost;  though  for  awhile 
By  faith  alone  the  void  is  crossed; 

But  oft  their  angel  faces  smile, 
And  then  we  know  they  are  not  lost. 


47 


(THE  GOLDEN  WEDDING.) 

HE    measure    full    of    peace 

untold, 

That    half  a  century  be 
stows, 
Is  richer  than  a  mine  of  gold, 

And  sweeter  than  the  summer  rose. 

But  if  in  noble  lives  complete, 
With  deeds  that  loving  ones  recall, 

The  aims  of  kindred  spirits  meet, 
There  is  the  crowning  bliss  of  all. 

And  so  to-day  the  smiling  hills 

And  sunny  skies  of  Runnymede, 
Reflect  the  radiant  joy  that  fills 
The  hearts  enchained  by  thought 
and  deed. 

48 


IRunnsme&e. 


Twin  agents  of  a  holier  trust 
Than  wealth  can  yield  or  honor 
give; 

When  they  have  crumbled  into  dust 
With  beauty  unimpaired  will  live: — 

Will  live,  transmitted  as  the  flood 
Its  parent  source  of  virtue  finds; 

The  moral  strength  of  noble  blood, 
And  purity  of  chastened  minds. 

What  union  more  divine  than  this 
Can  homage  claim  of  loyal  heirs? 

What  coronet  of  earthly  bliss 

Is  so  undimmed  by  time  as  theirs  ? 


49 


Ubc  Bge. 


|HIS  is  the  age  by  sages  oft 

foretold, 
When     common    sense    is 

weightier  than  gold, 
When  men  and  women  doff  the  flim 
sy  gauze 
That  pride  too  often   weaves   to   hide 

their  flaws; 
An     age     that     scorns     presumptuous 

prigs   and  flirts, 

And  modest    virtue    gains  its  just  de 
serts. 
When    vulgar   quacks,    unlicensed    by 

the  State, 

Unpitied    fall  and  meet  a    fitting  fate. 
When    vain    pretense    of   worth    that 
some  display 

So 


Before  the  sun  of  truth  soon  melts 
away. 

When  gilded  fools  and  jeweled  moun 
tebanks, 

Who  ape  the  gentleman  by  fantastic 
pranks, 

Are  passed  by  all  with  unmistaken 
sneer, 

Or  left  to  meet  the  quiet  laugh  or  jeer. 

This   is   the  age  when  virtue's   higher 

law 
Inspires     the     public    confidence   and 

awe, 
When  all  who  dare  their  vicious  tastes 

display 

Are  "sent  to  Coventry"  without  delay. 
Tis  well  that  thus  is  ruled  our  social 

state 
By  laws  which  none  but  idiots  violate, 


Cbe 


As  only  fools,  the  poet  aptly  said, 
Step  in  the  place  where  "  angels  fear  to 
tread." 

We  greet    with   reverence    now    that's 

justly  due 
The  men  and  women  who  are  pure  and 

true, 

And  honor  all,  despite  their  lowly  lot, 
Who  ne'er  pretend  to  be  what  they  are 

not. 
'Tis  fashion's  slave,  devoid  of  charms 

or  grace, 
Spreads  poisoned  powder  o'er  her  hide 

ous  face, 
Paints  her  coarse  cheeks  the  color  of 

the  rose, 
And  seems  a  showman's  sign  where'er 

she  goes. 

52 


Bgc. 


Upon  her  feet  she  crowds  a  pinching 

boot 
With  pointed  toe  and  hammer-heel  to 

suit, 
Steps  as  if  treading  soft  on  sharpened 

pegs, 
Or  else  as  if  the  street  were  paved  with 

eggs; 

Upon  her  hollow  head  a  bonnet  flings 
Bedecked  with  gaudy  feathers,  beaks 

and  wings; 
Dresses  the  hair  she  purchased  in  the 

shop, 
"  A   la  Bernfiardt  "    or     a    la    female 

fop. 
And  all  she  wears  to  make  herself  com 

plete 
Proves    her    to  be   a  hollow-hearted 

cheat. 

53 


Gbe  Bge. 

God  bless   the   sex!  —  our    wives   and 

mothers  too! 
Tis  well  monstrosities  like  her  are  few. 

This  age  of  common  sense  as  quickly 

scans 

The  men  of  wisdom  and  the  charlatans; 
Sees  with  unerring  eye  the  good  and 

bad, 
What  makes  the  gentleman  and  what 

the  cad. 
It  holds  that  "  rank  is  but  the  guinea's 

stamp," 
"  A  man's  a  man  "  until  he's  proved  a 

scamp; 

That  titled  snobs   and  graceless   par- 
venues, 
Who  snap  their  whips  and  point  their 

billiard  cues, 

54 


Cbc  2lge. 

Or  twirl  their  canes  and  twist  their  light 

moustache, 
Have  less  of  brains  to  recommend  than 

cash; 

That,  all  despite  nobility  of  birth, 
A  man  is  measured  only  by  his  worth; 
That  circumstance  may  make  a  sudden 

name, 
And  place  it  foremost  on  the  scroll  of 

Fame. 

'Tis  good  and  grand  to  live  in  such  an 

age— 
The   brightest     era   on    our     history's 

page; 

An  age  of  peace  with  liberty  combined, 
The  growth  of  thought — the  progress 

of  the  mind. 
For  what  is  life  if  what  we  prize  the 

most 

55 


Proves  but  a  vision  or  an  empty  boast? 

And  what  is  earth  if  Error's  shrouding 
pall 

Hangs  like  a  darkening  shadow  over 
all— 

If  tyrant  Wrong  usurped  the  place  of 
Right 

And  ruled  supreme  by  his  despotic 
might; 

If  Vice,  the  monster,  all  the  triumphs 
scored, 

And  Virtue  failed  to  gain  a  just  re 
ward? 


Xines  Written  in  an  Blbum. 

H  E    simplest     words     that 

sometimes  fall 
Unnoticed  from  the  lip  or 

pen, 

In  after  years  we  oft  recall, 
And  treasure  in  our  hearts  again. 

So  here  some  trifling  thought  or  word, 
Recorded  by  a  passing  friend, 

May,  like  the  notes  of  some  sweet  bird, 
With  all  thy  fondest  memories  blend 


57 


tin  /iDemorfam.— 1b.  flfc.  X. 

jjANY  the  paths  that  lead  to 

glory's  gate, 
But  few  there  be  who  heed 

the  humble  way 
Our  brother  trod.     Not  fortune's  proud 

estate 

Was  his,  nor  honor's  gilded  crown; 
Nor  vain  pretence  of  worth  that   men 

display 

Who  wear  the  flimsy  garb  of  false  re 
nown. 

He  loved  with  unseen  hand  to  scatter 

wide 

The  blessed   boons  that   charity   be 
stows; 

And  oft  when  cold  and  prouder  hearts 
denied 

58 


1Tn  flBemorfam— 1>.  Ob.  X. 


The  paltry  pittance  craved,  he  yielded 

more, 
With  equal   willingness  to  friends  and 

foes; 

And  none  returned  with  curses  to  his 
door. 

He   lived  to    see    his    country    disen 
thralled— 
The    long-returning    answer    to    his 

prayers — 

To  see  the  olive-bearing  dove  recalled, 
With    new-born  harbingers   of  hope 

for  all; 
Then  on   his  God   he  cast  his   earthly 

cares 

And  calmly  waited  for  the  welcome 
call. 


59 


Bn0el  (Butfce. 

CANNOT  feel  that  thou  art 

dead 
Dear  angel  of  my  life  and 

love, 

But  only  for  a  season  fled, 
To  roam  the  fairer  fields  above. 

I  wait,  and  watch,  and  hope,  and  pray, 
And  quell  the  fears  that  give  me  pain, 

Nor  think,  despite  thy  long  delay, 
That  thou  wilt  never  come  again. 

From  boyhood  ever  at  my  side, 
To  guard  me  'mid  its  scenes  of  strife; 

Thou  hast  become  my  angel  guide, 
To  lead  me  through  the  maze  of  life. 

When  yielding  to  the  tempter's  sway, 
That  oft  my  wayward  heart  beguiles, 
60 


Bngel  (Suifce. 


"  Resist,"  I  hear  thee  softly  say, 
And  see  thy  sweet  reproving  smiles. 

Beyond  that  dark  futurity 
That  must  enshroud   my  manhood's 

years, 
I  strive  to  look,  but  cannot  see, 

Because  my  eyes   are  dimmed  with 
tears. 

Yet  softly  o'er  my  fevered  brow, 
Thy  loving  kisses  gently  thrill, 

And  though  I  cannot  see  thee  now, 
I  feel  thy  presence  with  me  still. 


61 


Sbe  Wore  tbe  jf lower  H  Gave  f>er. 

| HE  wore  the  flower  I    gave 
her 

Upon  her  sinless  breast, 
An  emblem   of  that  peace 
divine, 

Her  youthful  soul  has  blest ; 
No  other  form  of  beauty 

From  Nature's  perfect  mould 
Could  in  such  fitting  language 
Her  purity  unfold. 

She  wore  the  flower  I  gave  her 
That  peaceful  evening  hour, 

And  all  her  inward  beauty  seemed 
Transfigured  in  that  flower, 

While  every  early  dream  of  love 
That  youthful  fancy  weaves, 
62 


Sbe  Wore  tbe  Jflower  1T  (Save  1>et. 

And  all  the  thoughts  her  bosom  move 
Seemed  folded  in  its  leaves. 

She  wore  the  flower  I  gave  her  ; 

Oh  !  may  she  ever  wear 
That  flower  of  fadeless  beauty 

That  time  can  ne'er  impair  : 
When  death  at  last  shall  sever 

Life's  frail  and  silvered  cord, 
May  she  thus  bloom  forever 

In  the  garden  of  the  Lord. 


TOntrs  Daps  Hre  Coming. 

JHE  wintry  days  are  coming, 
And  the  wintry  winds  are 
humming 

Sad  refrains  ; 
For  another  year  has  perished, 
And  of  Nature's  charms  we  cherished 
Naught  remains. 

Many  forms  we  loved  have  vanished, 
Many  hopes  and  aims  are  banished 

From  our  hearts  ; 

But  some  blessings  still  are  left  us — 
Of  which  time  has  not  bereft  us — 

God  imparts. 

Hopes  of  joy  in  coming  ages 
Which  the  present  pain  assuages 
Give  us  cheer  ; 
64 


Cbe  TKHinttB  2>a£0  arc  Coming. 

As  the  world  looks  bright  before  us, 
And  the  clouds  that  linger  o'er  us 
Disappear. 


TTbe  fMfcfcen  "fceart, 

JOULD   we   unveil   to  mortal 

gaze 
Each  recess  of  the  heart, 

And    deeply    probe    the 
bleeding  wounds 
Of  grief's  relentless  dart  ; 

Could  we  but  see  behind  the  cloud, 
That  glooms  each  cherished  dream, 

Perchance   the    inward    glance    would 

prove 
We're  seldom  wnat  we  seem. 

Could  we  but  feel  another's  woe, 
And  note  the  heart-drawn  sighs, 

Or  count  the  unseen  tears  that  flow 
From  joyful-seeming  eyes; 
66 


Cbe  t>t£>J»en  Ibcart. 


Could  we  disclose  each  buried  hope, 

Entombed  within  the  soul, 
Or  tell  of  brightest  visions  passed 

Beyond  this  life's  control; 

Could  we  unfold  each  inner  life, 

And  read  its  mystic  scroll, 
Whereon  is  written  all  that  time 

Has  stamped  upon  the  soul; 

Then   we   might   learn    to    cheer   and 
bless 

Each  heavy-laden  one, 
And  know  that  we,  in  doing  this, 

An  angel's  work  have  done. 


67 


at  TOUnnisoofc. 

N  Time's  untiring  pinions 
The     Summer    hours   are 

borne ; 

And  Nature's  vast  dominions 
Await  the  Autumn's  dawn. 

When  o'er  the  regal  mountains 
The  Oreads  lead  their  throngs, 

And  all  the  forest  fountains 
Will  sing  their  parting  songs. 

But  here,  while  Summer  lingers 
Untouched  by  Winter's  cold, 

What  though  its  frosty  fingers 
Tinge  all  the  leaves  with  gold, 

A  genial  glow  of  mildness 
Will  thrall  the  highland  air, 
68 


Bt 


And   through   the   mountain    wildness 
A  balmy  fragrance  bear. 

So  here  we  love  to  linger, 
And  hear  the  babbling  brook 

Call  to  each  feathered  singer, 
"  Come  back  to  Winnisook  !" 


69 


TKIUfe. 

|HE  queen  of  night  is  on  her 
throne, 

Surrounded  by  her  starry 
band  ; 

Unrivalled  beauty  fills  the  land, 
And  over  all  a  charm  is  thrown 

My  heart  can  scarce  withstand. 

And  yet  amid  these  soothing  scenes, 
That  to  my  spirits  yield  a  balm, 
And  every  inward  tumult  calm, 

A  nameless  longing  intervenes 
To  mar  the  mystic  charm. 

I  hear  the  ocean's  deep-toned  voice, 
And  sweeter  notes  of  music  near, 
That  fall  upon  the  listening  ear  ; 
70 


Co  As  mite. 


But  still  my  heart  can  scarce  rejoice, 
Because  thou  art  not  here. 

Few  are  the  pleasures  unalloyed, 

With  some  unwelcome  present  ill, 
That  comes  the  glowing  heart  to 
chill ; 

So  in  my  breast  there  is  a  void, 
Thy  smile  alone  can  fill. 


"Return. 

|ULL-ARM'D   with    garnered 

treasures 

Of  poetry  and  art, 
We  come  with  added  pleas 
ures 
To  charm  the  mind  and  heart. 

The  last  word  that  was  spoken 

Of  farewell  or  regret, 
Like  love's  enduring  token, 

'T  were  fatal  to  forget. 

As  o'er  the  swelling  ocean 
The  links  of  thought  unite, 

A  love-inspired  emotion 
Cements  our  hearts  to-night. 

But  here  is  home  entrancing, 
With  spells  thatbeautv  lends, 

72 


"Return. 


The  joyous  hours  enhancing, 
By  smiles  of  olden  friends. 

The     gladdening    sounds     of 
greeting 

Make  bright  this  sweet  return, 
And  eyes  familiar  meeting 

With  glowing  welcome  burn. 


73 


Xfnes  Bccompan£fn0  a  Birtbbap 
present 

TRIFLING    gift  to   thee   I 

send, 
This   happy   day,  my  little 

friend  ; 

And  trust  that  in  thy  childhood's  days 
Thy    course    may    be   in    "  Wisdom's 

ways" — 

That  path  the  true  and  holy  trod 
Who  sought  the  Paradise  of  God. 
May   God,    the   children's   friend   and 

guide, 

Lead  thee  through  life  on  Virtue's  side, 
And  keep  thy  heart  from  guile  and  sin — 
From  foes  without  and  foes  within. 
Strive  e'er  to  win  the  love  of  each 
By  kindly  act  and  thoughtful  speech, 
74 


Knes  Bccompangins  a  JBlttbdag  present. 

And  prove  to  all  that  Woman's  might 
Is  greatest  when  she  honors  Right. 
Then  will  thy  life  be  pure  and  good 
And  crowned  with  noble  womanhood. 


75 


HEY    are   not  always   dead 
who  die 

Nor  living  all  who  live  ; 
For  life's  best  years   may 
oft  deny 
What  death  alone  can  give. 

If  living  for  ourselves  alone 
We  spend  our  fleeing  years, 

'Twere  better  that  our  hearts  were  stone, 
Our  eyes  undimmed  by  tears. 

The  gracious  Author  of  our  race, 
To  make  His  image  known, 

The  peerless  beauty  of  His  face 
Impressed  upon  our  own. 

Thus  by  His  clearly  seen  design, 
The  feeblest  mind  discerns  , 
76 


It  was  the  quenchless  spark  divine 
That  lit  the  lamp  that  burns. 

The  richest  ore,  by  Nature's  plan, 
Lies  deepest  'neath  the  sod  , 

And  worth  unrecognized  by  man, 
Is  treasured  most  by  God. 

So,  if  in  living  we  would  live, 

And  not  in  dying  die, 
To  others  we  must  freely  give 

Our  love  and  sympathy. 

Must  yield  to  mercy's  sweet  control, 
Then  follow  where  she  leads  , 

And  have  a  Jesus  in  the  soul 
As  well  as  in  our  creeds. 


77 


Moman's  %ove, 

|HEN    Sappho     touched   her 

tuneful  lyre, 

And  sang  inspired   of  wo 
man's  love, 

She  filled  the  Grecian  heart  with  fire 
Promethean — from  above. 

And  ever  since  that  happy  day 
The  poet's  pen  and  painter's  art, 

Have  each  in  its  divinest  way 

Portrayed  the  worship  of  her  heart. 


Ube  jpbantom. 

|HE    hoar-frost    fringed     the 

chancel  pane, 
Dark  shadows   hung   upon 

the  wall ; 
No  sounds   were   heard    but  creaking 

vane 
And  distant  murmuring  waterfall. 

A  phantom  stalked  the  narrow  aisle, 
Moved  up  and  down  the  winding  stair; 

And,  as  it  passed  me,  seemed  to  smile 
In  welcome  of  my  presence  there. 

By  some  mysterious  power  impelled 
I  sought  with  haste  the  outer  door ; 

Where  viewless  hands  a  scroll  upheld, 
Whereon  was  written  "  Nevermore." 

79 


phantom. 


From  grave  to  grave  the  moonbeams 
glanced, 

And  in  their  course  the  vision  bore ; 
While  every  step  that  I  advanced 

I  saw  the  scroll  and  "nevermore." 

At  length  the  deepening  shadows  fell 
Where  sleep  the  long-forgotten  dead , 

But  o'er  my  heart  with  mystic  spell 
There  hangs  a  strange  and  nameless 
dread. 


80 


ZTbe 

|I  NG  PLUTO  came  forth  from 

his  fiery  domains, 
With  a  flame  in  his  mouth, 
and  a  flash  from  his  eye; 
And  I  heard  the  dull  clank  of  his  ada 
mant  chains, 

As  the  blast  of  the  scorching  sirocco 
passed  by. 

The  leaves  on  the  trees  and  the  flowers 

in  the  field, 
And  even  the  bowers  where  so  oft  I've 

reclined, 

No  longer  their  shade  and  sweet  fra 
grance  could  yield, 
For  death  came  apace  with  the  wither 
ing  wind. 

81 


The  brook  in  the  vale  that  once  rippled 

and  danced, 
To  the  music  of  Nature's  enchanting 

refrains, 

Fled  on  to  the  sea  as  King  Pluto  ad 
vanced, 

But  whispered  a  vow  to  return — with 
the  rains. 

The  birds  in  the  branches,  the  bees  in 

the  hive, 
And  even  the  ant  in  her  newly-made 

cell, 
Were  fanning  their  neighbors  to   keep 

them  alive, 

As  the  gasping  grasshoppers  plunged 
into  the  well. 


82 


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